The material and historical riches of Israel, Jordan and Egypt are relics of their roles as bridges between the Persian Empire and the Greco-Roman world. Their societies have been shaped by millennia of overlapping cultures, religions and languages. Explore ties between past and present in these fascinating nations where 5,000 years of human history converge.

Highlights

• Explore Jerusalem, a holy city to all three Abrahamic faiths.• Discover Petra, a stunning city cut from rose-red rock by the ancient Nabataean people of Jordan.• Enjoy a three-night voyage on the Nile River accompanied by an expert Egyptologist.

Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

1 night

Arrival Tel Aviv (Israel)

Coach to Jerusalem

3 nights

A superior view from atop the Mount of Olives illustrates an introduction to Jerusalem’s topography and neighborhoods. Study the city’s significance to Judaism on a field trip to Mount Zion and the City of David, explore its Christian heritage at the Via Dolorosa and Christian Quarter, and acquire similar insight into its importance to Islam at the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

Coach to Tiberias

2 nights

Take a field trip to Masada fortress, where the Zealots made their last stand against the Roman siege, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and mountains. Journey to Qumran, the biblical community of the Essenes, to learn the story of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of 972 biblical and extra-biblical texts discovered in the 20th century.

Coach to Amman (Jordan)

1 night

Coach to Petra

2 nights

Flight to Cairo (Egypt)

2 nights

Delve into Jordan’s past at the National Archaeological Museum in Amman. Examine the 6th-century mosaic map housed within St. George’s Church in ancient Madaba. Expert-led exploration of Petra reveals the city’s palaces, theaters, banquet halls, monuments and more. Continue to Egypt to stand in awe of the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza and the ruins of Memphis.

Flight to Aswan

Embark Nile River voyage

3 nights

Disembark Luxor

Flight to Cairo

2 nights

Departure

Visit the Aswan High Dam that keeps the flooding Nile from damaging nearby farms. Examine the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae before your Nile River study cruise to Luxor to explore the Valley of Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and the Karnak and Luxor temples complexes. Back in Cairo learn about the city’s evolution through the ages, visit the renowned Egyptian Museum and walk through buzzing bazaars.

Accommodations
Jerusalem: Modern boutique hotel near city center. Tiberias: Resort on the Sea of Galilee. Amman: Centrally located city hotel. Petra: Village-style resort hotel. Cairo: Four-star hotel with views of Giza pyramids. Nile River: Outside cabins on luxury riverboat. Cairo: Four-star city hotel on the Nile.

Meals and Lodgings

Prima Kings Hotel

Jerusalem, Israel

3 nights

Kibutz hotel Ein Gev

Tiberias, Israel

2 nights

Grand Palace Hotel - Amman

Amman, Jordan

1 night

Nabatean Castle Movenpick Petra

Petra, Jordan

2 nights

Holiday Inn Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, Jordan

2 nights

Prima Kings Hotel

Jerusalem, Israel

1 night

Prima Kings Hotel

Type:

Hotel

Description:

Hotel Prima Kings is landmark in the heart of Jerusalem’s prestigious Rehavia neighborhood, overlooking France Square. Centrally located, only a short distance from the Old City's major sites, the Hotel is on the same block as the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem and across the square from the Terra Sancta College building.
Guests enjoy luxuriously spacious rooms and Glatt Kosher meals, always prepared with the freshest ingredients, at the Hotel’s on-premise restaurant. Our Café Paris Coffee Shop offers snacks and beverages throughout the day for a relaxing destination to meet with friends and colleagues in “golden” Jerusalem style. The Hotel also features multiple conference and event spaces, as well as an in-house synagogue and Shabbat elevators.
Hotel Prima Kings is perfectly suited to guests seeking an extra special Jerusalem experience. Our superb location and unparalleled service assure beautiful memories of a grand visit to the Capital City.

The Lobby provides a mirror into both modern and traditional Jerusalem, with a soothing and calm environment featuring conversation nooks and writing tables. Beverages and snacks are available.
Located in the Hotel Prima Kings lobby, the Cafe Paris Coffee Shop offers a delicious French-accented dairy menu with salads, pastries, croissants, sandwiches and an extensive variety of coffees and teas.
Hotel Prima Kings offers a variety of business services. Internet portal in the lobby and wireless internet connections are available (additional charge). Secretarial services are also available upon request from the Reception Desk.
Laundry and dry cleaning services are available(additional charge). Laundry and dry cleaning fill-out forms are available at the Reception Desk.
Self-service iron and ironing board is available for guests' use.

Dining room: it seats up to 300, is located in the main building with a view to the lake. Meals are served in an open buffet style. Bar: You can order anything from soft drinks and quality coffee to imported or locally produced alcoholic beverages; Mini Market; Gift Shop.

The Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the entrance to the historic site of Petra. Situated at an altitude of 1,400 m, this hotel offers breathtaking views over sweeping hillsides. The hotel was designed by the recipient of the Agha Khan Award for Islamic Architecture, Engineer Rasem Badran.
Relax in the unique 110 sqm heated indoor pool located on the hotel’s garden level. Surrounded with windows opened during summer, enjoy the view onto the private terrace.

All the hotel's 90 rooms and suites are spacious and most have extraordinary views over the Great Rift Valley. Interconnecting rooms and non-smoking rooms are available on request.
All rooms are equipped with hairdryer, digital satellite TV, direct-dial phone, coffee and tea-making facilities and air-conditioning. A special benefit is our free minibar, available in all rooms.

Smoking allowed:

No

Elevators available:

Yes

Holiday Inn Dead Sea

Type:

Hotel

Description:

A trio of interconnecting, palm-fringed swimming pools leads from our contemporary Arabesque-style hotel to the warm therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. Enjoy sea and mountain views from the balcony or terrace of your air-conditioned Guest room and indulge in mineral-rich Dead Sea salt treatments in our luxury SPA.

Travel Details

Start
of Program:
Program starts in Jerusalem, Israel at the program hotel. You will be staying at Prima Kings Hotel that night.

End
of Program:
Program ends in Jerusalem, Israel in the evening of day 13. You will be staying at Prima Kings Hotel the night before.

Required
documents:
The Participant Information Form is required.

Parking
availability:
Driving not recommended and not applicable to this program

Transportation

(For Independent Travelers)

Train
or bus availability:

Bus and Train information available at the Airport. However, we recommend the shared taxi option (Shirut in Hebrew). The cost is approximately $13 per person and drop off at the hotel. Follow directions in the airport to SHIRUT or shared shuttle service.

To
Start of Program

Location:

Jerusalem

Nearest
city or town:

Tel Aviv

Nearest
highway:

Highway 1 to Tel Aviv

Nearest
airport:

Ben Gurion International Airport

Transportation
to site:

If you want to book your own arrival transfer, please follow these directions from the airport in Tel Aviv to the hotel.
The special transportation services counters are located on the first floor of the east Gallery in the Greeters' Hall. Note that neither train nor bus service is available on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday sunset). Taxi service is also available, though not particularly cheap. A better option is a shared taxi, or sherut - these are available outside Terminal 3.
Tour Bus: Service to and from Ben Gurion Airport, 24 hours a day, by prior telephone arrangement.
Telephone: 011 972 3-975-4200
Sashir: Service to and from Ben Gurion Airport, 24 hours a day, by prior telephone arrangement.
Telephone: 011 972 3-975-4033
Taxi (not shared/private)
The Taxi companies at Ben Gurion Airport operate under supervision of the Israel Airports Authority.
In order to be referred to a Taxicab, you must go through the dispatcher’s station.
The price for a private taxi from Ben Gurion to Jerusalem is approx: NIS 225.00 (US$62.00) The price is higher at night and during Shabbat. An Airport or Luggage tax may be attributed. 45 minute drive time.
Shared Taxis (Sherut)
Participants wishing to utilize a Sherut or Shared Taxi, will need to exit the Greeters Hall through exit gate no' 02. Cost to the city center is approx: NIS 30. Cost to a specific address is Approx: NIS 45.00. (US $12.00). 1 – 2 hours drive time depending on how long it takes for patrons to fill the vehicle.

From
End of Program

Location:

Jerusalem

Transportation
from site:

Private shuttles can be arranged in advance. Your group leader can help you.

(Additional
transportation information
same as above)

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Overnight Flight(Saturday, November 2)

In Transit:

International overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.

Day 2:

Arrival and introduction to program / Jerusalem(Sunday, November 3)

Arrive To:

Flight arrival to Ben Gurion Int’l Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. Meet your Road Scholar representative and guide and coach transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem. The transfer time from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is approximately 45 minutes.

Field Trip to the Mount of Olives dotted with churces marking the sites of Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On-site lecture ‘Understanding Jerusalem’s topography and demographics, the Old City.’ Continue to the Old City for a Field Trip and on site lectures ‘Jerusalem in the times of Jesus’. You will also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while in the Old City. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre marks Golgotha, also called Calvary, the site of the crucifixion.

Lunch:

Lunch at a local restaurant in the Old City.

Afternoon:

Proceed to the Israel Museum for a docent visit. The museum is where the fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls are exhibited in a special building known as the Shrine of the Book. The distinctive white, domed-shaped ceiling of the building is modeled after the clay jars in which the scrolls were found. The Museum also has a wonderful sculpture garden with masterpieces by Rodin, Henry Moore and others, galleries with works by modern and classical artists, including Rembrandt, Chagall, Picasso and Miró, and archaeological relics dating as far back as the Early Stone Age.
Then coach back to the hotel and learn about the current state of affairs in Israel from a leading Israeli scholar to get a local cultural perspective.

Field Trip to the Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock on Mount Moriah, here see a stunning display of mosaics and metallic domes, the complex is the third-holiest Muslim site, after the Ka'ba in Mecca and the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina. Learn about ‘Jerusalem and Islam’ then proceed to the Western Wall.
PLEASE NOTE: Entrance inside the Al Aqsa Mosque & the Dome of the Rock has been prohibited since Sep. 2000. Your visit will cover the grounds of the temple enclosure. Modest dress for men and women is required. Men: Shorts must cover the knee, t-shirts are OK. Women: No tank tops or sleeveless shirts. Skirts or pants must cover to the ankles.

Lunch:

Lunch at a local restaurant in Jerusalem.

Afternoon:

Field trip to the Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial), on the way to the Memorial, pass by important Government centers. Yad Vashem was established by Israeli Law in 1953 to commemorate the six million Jews and their communities wiped out in the Holocaust. It has the largest and the most comprehensive archive and information repositories on the Holocaust, housing more than 50 million pages of documents and hundreds of thousands of photographs and films.
Then coach back to the hotel and Learn about contemporary Palestinian Socitey: its Hopes and Challenges by a leading Arab scholar.

Note: Ascend the Fortress of Massada by Cable Car. Walking up to 1 hour continuously with stops in shaded areas. Walking on gravel and uneven grounds but not uphill. Rails available at all sites on the mountain. Descend by Cable Car (visit time approximately 2 hours)
Qumran: Walking on uneven ground and gravel for 30 minutes with stops on the way. Rails available. Visit time is approximately 1hr 25 minutes.

Breakfast:

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning:

Discover the Fortress of Massada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This magnificent mountain fortress was built by King Herod the Great and later became a refuge for the Zealots who stood the attack of the Roman Legion. Explore the Bathhouses, ritual baths, store houses and the Herodian Villa. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan.

Lunch:

Lunch at a local restaurant in Qumran.

Afternoon:

Explore Qumran, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the biblical community of the Essenes. Discover the history of the Dead Sea Scrolls, considered the most extensive set of religious texts outside the Bible. Gain insight into the Second Temple period, the Roman conquests and the Jewish revolts. Later in the afternoon, continue your drive north along the Jordan Valley to Tiberias. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

Field trip to Capernaum. Located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, the ruins of Capernaum were first discovered in 1838 by American explorer Edward Robinson. Numerous archeological excavations have taken place since the 1900’s. Most recently, excavations have uncovered the remains of a synagogue and several residential complexes, one of which is believed to be the home of the Apostle Peter. Discussions focus on Capernaum’s significance to Christianity. Also visit the Mount of Beatitudes, The so-called "Sermon on the Mount" is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.
Visit Kibbutz Degania. Explore the history of the Kibbutz movement in Israel and learn about the early settlers. Traditionally based on agriculture, the kibbutz is a form of communal living that integrates elements of socialism and Zionism.

Lunch:

Lunch at Kibbutz Degania

Afternoon:

Then continue to Nazareth and visit the Church of the Annunciation. Believed by many, particularly those of Roman Catholic faith, to be the site where the Archangel Gabriel informed Mary that she would conceive Jesus. The current church is erected upon the site of an earlier Byzantine period church.
PLEASE NOTE: the dress code in the Church of the Annunciation is conservative. Men: no hats, shorts must cover the knee Women: No tank tops or sleeveless shirts, Skirts or pants must cover until the ankles.

Drive along the Jordan Valley to Bethshean to discover its Roman history and heritage. Absorbed into the Roman Empire in the first century BCE, Bethshean contains some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the region. Continue to the Sheikh Hussein Border to cross into Jordan.

Lunch:

Lunch at a local restaurant in Jerash.

Afternoon:

Discover Jerash, considered the Pompeii of the Middle East, archaeological excavations have revealed Ancient Jerash to have been a prominent Greco-Roman City destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century CE. During the Crusades, the ruins of Jerash were transformed into military fortifications.Continue to Amman, upon arrival check into hotel.

Coach Departure for a field trip to discover Amman’s dominating Citadel. Here, visit the National Archaeological Museum for an overview of Jordan’s past. Then participate in an onsite lecture: Jordan and its Capital while discovering Amman’s Roman heritage during an excursion to an amphitheater still in use today and the recently restored Odeon.
Continue to Madaba, an ancient city which has been inhabited for nearly 3500 years and contains the most impressive surviving work of art from the mid-6th century - a mosaic map of Palestine, located within St. George’s Church, here learn about the Christian heritage in Jordan.
Dress Code inside St. George’s Church: Men: no hats inside church Women: conservative, no tank tops or sleeveless shirts, skirts or pants must cover to the ankles.

Lunch:

Lunch at a local restaurant in Madaba.

Afternoon:

Excursion to Mt. Nebo. According to Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was buried by God somewhere on this mountain. Continue to Petra via the Desert Highway, upon arrival check into the hotel.

Spend the morning exploring the monuments and settlements of Petra. The name, Petra, derives from the Latin word, Petrae, meaning rock. Numerous archaeological excavations have taken place since its “discovery” in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Hidden in a great rift valley east of Wadi 'Araba, 80 kilometers south of the Dead Sea, Petra was the principle city of ancient Nabetaea, though subsequently ruled by several other empires including: Roman, Byzantine, and Persian.
Note: Horse rides are available during the excursion to Petra and are included in your program cost. The ride is from the entrance of Petra to the entrance of the Sikh. The horse drawn carriages however, are not included. Any participant wishing to make use of these must pay directly at the time. The cost for the use of these carriages is approximately 30 USD. Please coordinate this with your guide.

Note: The drive from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea is about 4 hours.

Breakfast:

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning:

This morning visit Wadi Rum, 37 miles south of Aqaba. This is going to be a visit with 4X4 Jeeps. Wadi Rum is the largest wadi in Jordan. The name Rum comes from Aramaic meaning 'high'. Wadi Rum was the home of many ancient human cultures since prehistoric times, with many cultures–including the Nabateans–leaving their mark in the form of rock paintings, graffiti, and temples.

Lunch:

Lunch in Wadi Rum.

Afternoon:

After lunch at a camp in the dessert, you will transfer to the Dead Sea. On the way there, you will listen to your guide making commentary about the sites crossed and sharing important information about the destination. Later in the afternoon, check in to your hotel in the Dead Sea.

Visit Jericho & participate in an archeological project(Wednesday, November 13)

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

This morning, you will cross back to Israel Transfer through Alenby Bridge and Visit Jericho, a city located near the Jordan River in the West Bank. Israel handed over the administrative control of Jericho to the Palestinian Authority in 1994. It is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Jericho is described in the Old Testament as the "City of Palm Trees". Copious springs in and around the city attracted human habitation for thousands of years. It is known in Judeo-Christian tradition as the place of the Israelites' return from bondage in Egypt, led by Joshua, the successor to Moses.
You will visit Mountain of Temptation using the world's longest cable car below sea level located at the base of the mountain. Mountain of Temptation is believed to be the site where Jesus was tempted by the devil. On the top of the mountain is an ancient Greek Orthodox Monastery.

Lunch:

Lunch in Jericho.

Afternoon:

This afternoon, you will participate in an Archaeological project in Jerusalem with your study leader.

Dinner:

Tonight dinner is on your own in Jerusalem. Your group leader will give you suggestions.

This morning visit Bethlehem in the Palestinian territory. The "little town" of Bethlehem, mentioned in any number of Christmas carols, attracts pilgrims worldwide on account of its description in the New Testament (and particularly the Gospels) as the birthplace of Jesus The Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world, is the focus of Christian veneration within the city.
Bethlehem is revered by Jews as the birthplace and home town of David, King of Israel, as well as the traditional site of Rachel's Tomb. Later on, visit Herodion, a castle built by Herod the Great and located some 4 Miles to the south-east of Bethlehm. The Herodion is administered by the Israel Nature & National Parks Protection Authority.
You will also get a chance to visit Ein Karem, an ancient village of the Jerusalem District and now a neighborhood in southwest Jerusalem in Israel. According to Christian tradition, John the Baptist was born in Ein Karem, leading to the establishment of many churches and monasteries. Ein Kerem has charming stone houses adorned with arches, churches whose bells chime in the clear air and lovely paths paved with stone.

Lunch:

Farewell Lunch in the Old Port of Jaffa.

Afternoon:

Check in to day rooms at Ruth Daniel Residence prior to your flight this evening.

Dinner:

On your own.

Evening:

Transfer to Tel Aviv for your return flight to the US.

Meals
Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14:

Return home(Friday, November 15)

Morning:

Arriving in the US.

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

Down the Nile, Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff

Author: Rosemary Mahoney

Description: Mahoney weaves the tale of her quest to row the Nile with deft portraits of the people she meets in this marvelously engaging chronicle.

Eyewitness Guide Egypt

Author: Eyewitness Guides

Description: A visually rich guide to the history, culture and monuments of Egypt.

Eyewitness Guide Jerusalem: Israel, Petra & Sinai

Author: Eyewitness Guides

Description: This compact, illustrated guide provides a thorough overview of Israel and western Jordan, including Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman.

In a Desert Land, Photographs of Israel, Egypt and Jordan

Author: Neil Folberg

Description: A stunning collection of photographs of the desert Middle East, including the Sinai, Petra and Jerusalem.

Islam, A Short History

Author: Karen Armstrong

Description: Armstrong brings authority and experience to this vivid, clear-headed survey of the history and impact of Islam from the birth of Muhammad to present-day challenges. The best short introduction to the subject.

Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths

Author: Karen Armstrong

Description: A popular history by the author of A History of God. Armstrong tackles big subjects -- and this book is no exception. It's a comprehensive, concise portrait of the city over the last 5,000 years.

Luxor Illustrated, With Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Nile

Author: Michael Haag

Description: The ideal companion to a Nile cruise, Michael Haag introduces all the famous monuments and temples of the Upper Egypt from Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings and the tomb of Tutankhamun to the marvels of Aswan and Abu Simbel in full color.

Married to a Bedouin

Author: Marguerite van Geldermalsen

Description: "Where you staying?" the Bedouin asked. "Why you not stay with me tonight -- in my cave?" Thus begins the fascinating odyssey of a young nurse from New Zealand who would marry and raise her family among the community of 100 Bedouin families living in the ancient city of Petra.

Northeast Africa and Arabia Map

Author: Michelin Travel Publications

Description: A folded map of the Northeast region of the continent at a scale of 1:4,000,000.

Petra, The Rose-Red City

Author: Christian Auge, Jean-Marie Dentzer

Description: Jam-packed with color illustrations, archival material, maps and site plans, this shirt-pocket encyclopedia is our best-selling book on Petra.

The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Egypt

Author: Bill Manley

Description: Ingenious color maps, site plans, photographs and accompanying essays trace Egyptian civilization from the founding of Memphis through the sacking of Thebes and invasion by Alexander the Great in 332 BC in this authoritative, remarkably concise history.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

11 nights accommodations

31 meals:
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners

Expert-led lectures: 4

Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.

Field trips: 18

Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Hands-on experiences: 1

Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.

Plus these special experiences...

In Jerusalem discover the Old City including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock.

Discover the once lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.

An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.

Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.